Find mouthwatering king-sized thalis at Mumbai Express

While there's an overarching number of Indian restaurants in Dhaka, their legitimacy is a real hit-or-miss.

Only a handful of places offer true Indian cuisine in Dhaka, and Mumbai Express is one of them.

“We have at least four Indian chefs, we're trying to keep it as authentic as it can be,” said Mumbai Express manager Biplob Shubho.

Food

The brand-new king-size Shahenshah Bhoj thali is an all-you-can-eat meal in its own right.

Their thali has the classic street food Papri Chaat, in which the chickpeas and potatoes meshed well with the boundless chutneys of red chili, mint, tamarind, and some chilled yoghurt.

The crackling papri combined with the sweet tang from the amalgamation of chutneys and yoghurt created a mouthful of zesty delight.

A special mention for the freshness of each ingredient is a must, for that is what will leave you spellbound and makes this Papri Chaat an utter success.  

Then their Tandoori Red Snapper is marinated with yoghurt, lemon juice, and a whole spices blend of black pepper, minced ginger, and garam masala.

Mahmud Hossain Opu/Dhaka Tribune

However, the dish was kept marinated for a short time as the raw fish smell remained afterward.

Despite the addition of the spices, the fish needed to be cooked longer.

While the attempt of the whole red snapper is an appreciable out-of-the-box thinking and a sight to watch for, the excitement for the fish lasts only till your first bite of the lack of attention to detail.

The Palak Paneer is smoothened spinach that tasted savoury in a way that was just short of tasting bitter.

Capturing that last bit of palatable nuance is tough to be perfect, but this Palak Paneer did not miss its mark.

The traditional yet professional proportions of spinach soaked in the right amount of creamy Malai and cottage cheese, with just a hint of butter.

The whole spice combination of green chilli, butter, cumin, cinnamon, and tomato brings out the homely yet rich, fresh-pressed blend of spinach that make for amusingly squeaking bites from the cheese that you relish.

The Dal Makhani is a worldwide favourite for a reason.

Mahmud Hossain Opu/Dhaka Tribune

Their bucket of this lentil and beans goodness includes the known kidney beans, whole black gram slow cooked with butter and cream, infusing a subtle smokey essence thanks to the slow cooking and the thick flavourful smack on the tongue from the butter and cream and yet again, this staple excels at authenticity proving that consistency is not overrated no matter how familiar the dish is.

Their Murgh Hariyali Kebab includes the staple Indian ingredients of fenugreek, lemon juice, curd, mint, coriander, and red chilli powder.

These delectably warm chicken skewers with a hint of fresh mint, coriander tang, and a spicy kick that hits you just slightly are mouthwateringly memorable.

If you have been craving kebabs, this one will meet your craving.

This “Shahenshah” of a Thali also includes an assortment of three other types of Tikka, Malai and Seekh Kebab, and Raita to complete your experience.

Let us jump to the Gulab Jamuns, because how can we not?

These cult classics of a dessert are milk solids washed in semolina, aromatic syrup, and rose water, and give “heavenly” a whole new meaning.

The sweetness immediately seeps into your mouth while simultaneously melting the solidity of the dough, exactly how Jamuns should be, and you will fall in love.

The price range for a family-style Thali meal at Mumbai Express is Tk599 to Tk4,499.

Ambiance

As you enter the premises, Mumbai Express boasts massive chandeliers that reflect off the granite floors.

The off-white walls outlined in gold side borders match the monochromatic floors.

Mahmud Hossain Opu/Dhaka Tribune

The royal blue chairs were almost camouflaged, with one side of the wall outlined with that identical hue.

The walls sported different variations of Rangoli patterns penned in chestnut shades.

While others are a mix of astutely vibrant shades of reds, oranges, and blues in ornamented designs.

Challenges

Opened in September 2022, the Dhanmondi branch is a response to the success of Mumbai Express's Uttara branch.

Despite the price hikes due to inflation, this new restaurant has kept its prices the same, prioritizing customers over profit.

“We're okay with limited profit but we want our guests to be able to come in and eat first,” said Shubho.

However, their gracious generosity has not helped them escape the struggle of increasing ingredient prices.

 “Six days ago, a chicken cost Tk170, Now it's Tk220, It's hard to keep up,” He added.

Verdict

If you love a king-sized Indian Thali with some mouth-watering classics like Palak Paneers, Daals, Kebabs, and rice, head on over to Mumbai Express in Dhanmondi, and you will keep going back.